North East monsoon likely to set in on October 26

A circular from the IMD said the Southwest monsoon has withdrawn from the remaining parts of the country on Sunday. The Northeast monsoon is the chief source of rainfall for the State as well as coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, south interior Karnataka and Kerala.

The State receives 48 per cent of rainfall during October–December and it heavily influences Rabi production. The retreat of the Southwest monsoon has signaled the arrival of the Northeast monsoon which usually sets in around October 20.

The forecast has indicated that the seasonal rainfall during October-December is likely to be normal, while above normal rainfall has been forecast for Tamil Nadu.

Last year, the Northeast monsoon was normal across all five sub-divisions in the south while there was extensive rainfall activity and severe damage due to tropical Cyclone Ockhi around November-end.

According to the forecast, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds are likely at isolated places over Tamil Nadu and Puducherry over the next two days, while the other parts of the country would largely remain dry. While overcast skies may prevail in Chennai, light or moderate rain or thundershower is likely to occur in some areas on Monday. The maximum and minimum temperature will be around 32 and 24 degrees Celsius.